Walking tour through the Molenheide and Groespeel forest areas. From the town of Mill the walking tour goes towards Sint Hubert. A part of the former German Railroad "Duits Lijntje" is followed between the two places.
Distance: 14 km.
Time: 4h00.
Grade: Moderate.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed provided following a short alternative route described in the PDF file.
Height gain: No information.
Trail: 75% unpaved.
Marking: Walking nodes.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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The Molenheide.
From the town of Mill the walking tour goes towards Sint Hubert. Part of the former German Railroad "Duits Lijntje" is followed between the two places. This railway connection connected the Dutch Boxtel with the German Wezel, now the line can only be recognized by the railway embankment, a slightly higher straight path that has become an important connection for plants and animals. After leaving Sint Hubert, the walk goes through the Molenheide and Groespeel forest areas. The Molenheide is a forest area that mainly consists of conifers, management measures have made it a very attractive mixed forest area with a nice open area. The De Grote Beek stream flows in the Groespeel and on the outskirts lies the Peel canal that formed part of the Peel Raamstelling, a line of defense that was constructed in 1939. Casemates are also encountered in various places and asparagus in the German line aimed at derailing trains. During the walking tour you also pass by the Aldendriel Castle, a medieval castle dating from 1477 and the Heimolen mill, a large round stone belt mill from 1878.
Download PDf for route description.
POI 1 - Aldendriel Castle.
Aldendriel Castle is a medieval castle, dating from 1477, the castle is not freely accessible.
No additional information.
POI 2 - The Heimolen Windmill.
TIn 1944 the mill suffered a lot of damage as a result of the war. The mill was restored in 1966/67 and has been in good shape ever since. The mill is operated by volunteers.
No additional information.
POI 3 - Het Duits Lijntje.
During the German march on May 10, 1940, a German train thundered through the Peel-Raamstelling at Mill. The Dutch army was surprised by this raid and had not yet blocked the railway line with the so-called asparagus. The Germans were able to continue unhindered. However, after reaching the Zeeland post, the commander decided to drive back because the radio contact with the headquarters was broken. This allowed the Dutch army to intervene. The asparagus caused the German train to derail. Part of the Peel-Raamstelling has been restored in Mill. The railway tracks show traces of destruction caused by the derailment of the armored train in May 1940. The track is blocked with so-called asparagus.
No additional information.
